VAGINAL YEAST INFECTIONS

Vaginal Yeast Infections (Candidiasis)

You probably have heard a lot about yeast infections because of all the ads on TV and in magazines. Most women get at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. Some women have many yeast infections. Women of all ages can get yeast infections.

Candida (what yeast looks like under a microscope)


What causes yeast infections?

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida, also known as yeast. Small amounts of yeast and other organisms are normally found in your vagina, as well as in your mouth and digestive tract. Yeast infections occur when the balance of organisms in your vagina is upset and the amount of yeast in your vagina overgrows, causing an infection. Yeast infections are most likely to act up just before or just after your menstrual period. This balance of organisms in your vagina can be changed by:

Antibiotics (for acne, throat, and ear infections or even vaginal infections) because they can kill the normal bacteria in your vagina and let the yeast grow
Being overweight
Diabetes
Pregnancy
HIV infection
Steroids
Tight underwear made of material like nylon or lycra that traps moisture and heat, especially in the summer (you should wear cotton underwear because it absorbs moisture better.)




What are the signs/symptoms of a yeast infection?

The outward signs of a yeast infection may include vaginal discharge that is thicker than normal and is white and curd-like (almost like cottage cheese). The discharge will be odorless. Other signs are itching, burning, redness, and irritation of the vaginal area. Severe yeast infections may cause swelling of the lips of the vagina. Sometimes, women have painful and/or frequent urination because of inflammation of the urinary opening.

Sexual intercourse may also be painful for women because of inflammation of the vagina.


How are yeast infections treated?

A health care provider will use a cotton swab to take a sample of your vaginal discharge. The sample is put on a slide along with a drop of a special chemical. He/she will then look at your vaginal discharge under a microscope to see if you have an overgrowth of yeast.



Yeast infections are treated with a pill that you swallow or with a vaginal cream or vaginal suppository (a partially solid material that you insert into your vagina, where it dissolves and releases medicine). Your health care provider will explain to you what your choices are and if one is better than another for you. The pill is especially good if you don't want to put a cream up inside of your vagina. Some anti-yeast vaginal creams are sold over-the-counter (without a prescription) in drug stores. Other anti-yeast vaginal creams need a prescription. If you use a cream, then you should not use tampons during the treatment since it will absorb the medication and make it less effective.

Some anti-yeast medications may weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so they are more likely to break. Talk to your health care provider about which types of anti-yeast medications do this. If you are using anti-yeast medications that weaken latex condoms or diaphragms, either use a polyurethane condom or don't have sex.



Remember, do not use anti-yeast medications without seeing your health care provider, unless you have been diagnosed by a health care provider with a yeast infection more than once so you are really sure of the symptoms and signs. They do not work against other kinds of vaginal infections, like bacterial vaginosis, that need prescription medications.



What serious health problems can yeast infections cause?

Yeast infections are not known to cause any serious health problems. But the yeast infection itself can be very unpleasant, so you want to get it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.



Is there anything else I can do to prevent yeast infections that is not in the above list?

It is possible that eating one cup of yogurt (which contains acidophilus bacteria) a day is helpful in preventing yeast infections. However, realize that eating yogurt alone will not cure or prevent vaginal yeast infections.

If you have to take antibiotics and are getting lots of yeast infections, talk to your health care provider about using anti-yeast cream or pills.



What if I get yeast infections all the time?

Some women get yeast infections every month around the time of their menstrual periods. Your health care provider may tell you that you need to self-treat yourself every month before you get the yeast infection, so you can stop the symptoms from developing. This means that you will need to use anti-yeast medication that you buy in a drugstore without a prescription. Or you may be told that you need to take or use oral pills or vaginal creams for longer. But do not start self-treating yourself until your health care provider tells you.



Getting yeast infections every month could also mean that you have a more serious problem, like diabetes. So it's very important to talk with your health care provider.